County: Volusia
ZIP Codes: 32117, 32125
Holly Hill, Florida, is located on the east coast of the state, mere miles from the Atlantic Ocean, which positions it in a high-risk area for hurricanes and tropical storms. It has experienced a number of notable storms in the past 30 years. Most notably, it was hit with major wind damage and storm surge during Hurricane Charley in 2004, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and Hurricane Irma in 2017. The low-lying topography and proximity to the Atlantic make it particularly vulnerable to storm surge flooding, but inland flooding can also occur due to heavy rain during such events. The surrounding vegetation is also a concern, as strong winds can uproot trees that can damage homes and power lines.
When considering elevation, Holly Hill is largely flat, with average elevation approximately 10 feet above sea level. This relatively low-lying elevation combined with the town's coastal location means that storm surge can potentially inundate significant portions of the area during a major hurricane. Integrated with this concern is the recurrent risk of rainfall-induced flooding. Given all these meteorological disasters, hurricane preparedness in Holly Hill should pay heavy emphasis on flooding safety measures, wind-resistant infrastructure, and swift evacuation routes. Evacuation methods and protocols, in particular, should be evaluated and refined on a regular basis due to the town's relative vulnerability.